Choose to Put in the Work

“Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, And on His Law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2 NKJV

In an inspiring story published yesterday by the Good News Network, it was reported that 19-year-old Lloyd Martin has become the youngest person ever to finish the London Marathon with Down Syndrome.

Receiving a Guinness World Records plaque at the finishing line, Martin says it’s a dream come true, and celebrated the 26.4 miles with some pretty fly dance moves for someone with impaired motor function.
He ran continuously for the first 14 miles—a personal best—before switching to bouts of walking and jogging. In Lloyd’s words, it’s achieving his dream,” said his mom, Ceri Hooper. “Really anything is possible if you put your mind to it. With a bit of work, you can achieve it.” Hooper represented Wales internationally in track and field competitions, and ensured that her son Lloyd had all the training and motivation he needed when he set his mind on the task of a marathon. He had developed his strength and stamina mainly through 5k races.

And you know, just as continually running 5k races developed Lloyd’s strength and stamina to the point he had the staying power and mental grit to complete a marathon, only those whose “delight is in the law of the LORD” and who meditate on “His Law” day and night will develop the spiritual strength and stamina to run according to the rules and finish the race. You see, just as in running, there’s no shortcut to spiritual maturity and endurance. A person must put in the work of training in the Word if they want to stand firm on the Truths laid out in the Bible and press on until the end to claim the prize God has waiting for every faithful follower. 

So choose to put in the work my friend by choosing to read and study the Scriptures each and every day. The knowledge you’ll gain will have you “running” faster and longer than ever before. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we can’t run in the race unless we know the rules. And we can’t run fast and far to the finish line unless we discipline our bodies to put those rules into practice and to keep going until the race is done. Help us to do this Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!